Daily Current Affairs : 13-August-2024
India has lately witnessed a big development within the discipline of food distribution with the launch of the first-ever 24/7 ‘Grain ATM’ called ‘Annapurti’. This initiative, a joint attempt by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Odisha, was brought in Bhubaneswar, the state capital. It marks a major step forward in improving food access and security for millions of people in Odisha.
What is the ‘Annapurti’ Grain ATM?
The Annapurti Grain ATM is a modern device that allows beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) to withdraw food grains anytime, day or night. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), people eligible for subsidized grains can now easily access their monthly food supply through this machine.
Key Features of Annapurti Grain ATM:
- 24/7 Access: The ATM operates round the clock, ensuring that beneficiaries can collect their grains whenever they need them, without being confined by regular store hours.
- Quick Service: The machine can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in just five minutes after biometric authentication. This reduces the time spent waiting in line by 70%, making the process more efficient.
- Sustainability: The machine can be powered by solar panels, making it an eco-friendly solution for food distribution.
Benefits for the People of Odisha
The Annapurti Grain ATM aims to improve the accessibility and reliability of food grains for all beneficiaries, especially in remote areas. By reducing waiting times and making food available at all hours, it ensures that no one is left without access to essential food supplies. This will significantly contribute to food security, particularly for vulnerable groups who depend on government assistance.
Important Points:
- Launch of Annapurti Grain ATM: India’s first 24/7 ‘Grain ATM’ called Annapurti was launched in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, as a collaboration between the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Odisha.
- Purpose: The Annapurti Grain ATM allows beneficiaries of the Public Distribution System (PDS) to access food grains anytime, under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
- Key Features:
- 24/7 Access: The ATM operates round the clock, ensuring grains are available at any time.
- Quick Service: Dispenses up to 50 kilograms of grain in just 5 minutes with biometric authentication.
- Efficiency: Reduces waiting times by 70%, improving the process for beneficiaries.
- Sustainability: Powered by solar panels, making it an eco-friendly solution for food distribution.
- Benefits:
- Enhances accessibility to food grains, especially for people in remote areas.
- Provides reliable food access at all hours, preventing delays.
- Contributes to improved food security, particularly for vulnerable populations dependent on government support.
- Significance:
- A model for other states to follow in enhancing food distribution and security.
- Strengthens the relationship between the WFP and the Government of Odisha in addressing food security challenges.
Why In News
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Odisha have launched India’s first 24/7 ‘Grain ATM’, named ‘Annapurti’, in Bhubaneswar, marking a groundbreaking step in revolutionizing food distribution in the state and ensuring round-the-clock access to essential grains for beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS). This innovative initiative aims to improve food security and reduce the challenges associated with traditional food delivery methods.
MCQs about India’s First 24/7 ‘Grain ATM’ – Annapurti
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What is the main purpose of the ‘Annapurti’ Grain ATM?
A. To distribute food grains to all citizens of India
B. To provide 24/7 access to food grains for PDS beneficiaries in Odisha
C. To store grains for future distribution
D. To reduce the cost of food grains in the market
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Which feature of the Annapurti Grain ATM helps in reducing waiting times for beneficiaries?
A. It uses biometric authentication
B. It is powered by solar panels
C. It can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in just 5 minutes
D. It operates only during the day
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What is one of the key sustainability features of the Annapurti Grain ATM?
A. It uses electric power for operation
B. It is powered by solar panels
C. It only works during non-peak hours
D. It uses traditional fuel sources for energy
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Which of the following is a benefit of the Annapurti Grain ATM for the people of Odisha?
A. It allows people to purchase food grains at lower prices
B. It ensures food grains are available only during business hours
C. It improves accessibility to food grains, especially in remote areas
D. It replaces traditional food distribution methods entirely
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